Handle Harry with care

for everyone. We are focusing on our injuries, but I also understand what the national team wants and needs too.

“The most important thing is that the national teams, including England, understand the needs of our players and help them so they will be fit when they return here.

“The next period of the season is very tough on the players. The Premier League is a competition you cannot lose too much in.”

Dele Alli has already been ruled out of England duty with a hamstring issue, and Harry Winks (left) is also a doubt after twisting his ankle against Palace.

Spurs face four games in 10 days after the international break, starting with a north London derby at Arsenal.

That’s followed by a Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund and Premier League games against West Brom and Leicester.

Pochettino said: “We try to have a good relationship with all the national teams.

“We try to explain the situation of everyone and then trust in them they can help our players in a very good way.

“With Dele, we hope treatment will go well in the next two weeks and he will be fit to arrive against Arsenal.

“Harry Winks twisted his ankle. We must assess him with our medical staff and that of the national team.

“He is so excited to make the national team and I am sure he wants to make it. But it is up to the medical people. What are his chances? I don’t know.”

Palace boss Roy Hodgson said: “We deserved more. We need points. Our task gets harder with every defeat. The confidence is fragile.”

Match report in pullout